2003 Toyota Tundra: brake failure

Filed Aug 11, 2022 · Fuel system, Suspension · 146,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unknown axle was leaking and causing the brake failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the gas tank was detaching from the vehicle due to the frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Acceleration, Airbags · 168,168 miles · MA · crash

I was in motion and driving on a residential street, while operating vehicle at the time of accident. After the collision, the airbag did not deploy. The takata airbag was replaced by the auto manufacturer (toyota dealership) prior to my above mentioned accident. The auto accident occurred for unknown reasons, possibly brake failure or unexpected acceleration of the car engine.

Filed Apr 4, 2017 · Brakes · 79,140 miles · NY

This is the second time within the last several weeks where I've had brake-line failure(also reported my first one here). My vehicle was just recently repaired under warranty at the dealership I bought it from for a catastrophic brake-line failure which nearly resulted in a major accident. After the repair to the exploded lines my dealer stated he inspected the remaining lines under the truck & said they all looked good & there shouldn't be anymore problems with the lines failing. That didn't happen however as I just had another line spring a sudden leak without any warning while driving to work. My vehicle is now off its warranty(only been 1500 miles since repair-79,000 miles on it now) so I cannot send it back to them. It wasn't a sudden, complete loss of brakes this time but a gradual softening of the brake pedal when trying to stop until all of the fluid was gone then I had next to nothing upon arrival to work. Anyhow, I did make it to work & then put more fluid in it to get it home when I got off shift. Upon searching for the leak I was surprised to notice that the lines had broken where there was no rusting involved, it turns out there's a mounting bracket which once had a grommet in it that either fell out or rotted away causing the bracket to cut through the lines under it from metal-to-metal contact. The lines involved looked as though they'd been cut with a knife at the location. The dealer never would've noticed this as it took me almost 30 minutes to find it myself. I did contact toyota however they choose to do nothing about this however since I've had two sudden brake failures within 4,500 miles I feel I should let someone know before someone else gets the same problem and kills themselves or others when their brakes decide to fail without warning! Thank-you!

Filed Oct 8, 2016 · Transmission · 79,962 miles · OH

I am a retired toyota master diagnostic technician. As I was replacing my rear brake lines on my 2003 tundra-with 79,962 miles, I saw a fluid leak under rear of vehicle. Upon inspection I found the rear differential housing has rusted so badly that the gear oil is leaking through the housing. Unfortunately the only remedy is the replacement of the complete rear axle/differential assembly. The frame has already been replaced-under recall. The rear brake lines have rusted through which had to be replaced- at my expense. Also the power steering lines have also rusted through which also had to be replaced- at my expense. It is obvious that the material that was used is of very low quality causing very dangerous situations.ie; loss of vehicle control due to differential lock-up, loss of vehicle braking due to rapid fluid loss, loss of vehicle steering control due to rapid fluid loss. I am amazed that toyota motor co. Will not stand behind the product they sold-without being forced to. One quick look under a 2003 tundra is all it takes to see that low/poor quality hardware and materials were used. Without repair and/or replacement of above stated components someone will get injured-possibly fatally. My brakes failed as I was towing a trailer in heavy, city traffic. I was going 35mph when a vehicle pulled out in front of me and then proceeded to stop suddenly to make a left turn into a parking lot. I slammed on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was lucky there was room to maneuver to the right so I was able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. I'm sure there have been those less fortunate. Please investigate these complaints as soon as possible. These components should last for the lifetime of the truck. A differential is not an item one expects to ever replace. Owners have been complaining about these failures for years. Thank you.sincerely,....

Filed Oct 8, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 79,962 miles · OH

I am a retired toyota master diagnostic technician. I had to replace my rear brake lines on my 2003 tundra-with 79,962 miles. The rear brake lines have rusted through which had to be replaced- at my expense. My brakes failed as I was towing a trailer in heavy, city traffic. I was going 35mph when a vehicle pulled out in front of me and then proceeded to stop suddenly to make a left turn into a parking lot. I slammed on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was lucky there was room to maneuver to the right so I was able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. I'm sure there have been those less fortunate. Then, as I was replacing the lines, I saw a fluid leak under rear of vehicle. Upon inspection I found the rear differential housing has rusted so badly that the gear oil is leaking through the housing. Unfortunately the only remedy is the replacement of the complete rear axle/differential assembly. Also the power steering lines have also rusted through which also had to be replaced- at my expense. The frame has already been replaced-under recall. It is obvious that the material that was used is of very low quality causing very dangerous situations.ie; loss of vehicle control due to differential lock-up, loss of vehicle braking due to rapid fluid loss, loss of vehicle steering control due to rapid fluid loss. I am amazed that toyota motor co. Will not stand behind the product they sold-without being forced to. One quick look under a 2003 tundra is all it takes to see that low/poor quality hardware and materials were used. Without repair and/or replacement of above stated components someone will get injured-possibly fatally. Please investigate these complaints as soon as possible. These components should last for the lifetime of the truck. A differential is not an item one expects to ever replace-"sorry but your warranty's expired". Thank you. Sincerely, information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Brakes · 58,002 miles · IL

Truck was being driven 250mi from destination a to b. While enroute, leaving the highway for a rest stop, the brake pedal went to the floor. Brake failure, unable to properly stop. Had truck towed to a local dealer who identified failure in (2) front steel brake lines. Total $ 428; and of course the situation could have been a lot worse. Vehicle has been maintained, all recommended service intervals, etc. Service tech stated looked to be due to rust - corrosion. I have never had this occur on a vehicle this little mi. And years. I am going to write toyota as well.